What is the term for the surgical procedure involving suturing?

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Study for the Medical Terminology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and detailed explanations. Ensure exam readiness!

The term for the surgical procedure involving suturing is indeed -rrhaphy. This suffix is derived from the Greek word "rhaphē," meaning "to sew" or "to stitch." It is used in various medical terms to describe the act of suturing tissues together, which is often necessary to close wounds, surgical incisions, or repair damaged structures in the body.

For example, "herniorrhaphy" refers specifically to the surgical repair of a hernia through suturing. In this context, the suffix clearly indicates that suturing is involved in the surgical procedure.

The other suffixes have different meanings: -ectomy refers to the surgical removal of a part (e.g., appendectomy for removal of the appendix), -plasty indicates surgical reconstruction or shaping of a part (e.g., rhinoplasty for the reshaping of the nose), and -stomy denotes the creation of an opening (e.g., colostomy for creating an opening in the colon). Each of these suffixes conveys distinct types of surgical interventions, highlighting the specificity of -rrhaphy in terms of suturing.

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